FIRST-STRING Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ

Definition of first-string

as in excellent

of the very best kind a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of first-string Defensively, the Falcons played much of their first-string front seven, or at least rotational players, throughout the first half. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 15 Aug. 2026 Burrow and the first-string offensive line played two series, with the franchise quarterback going 5 of 6 for 39 yards. — CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 With Hollins and Boutte absent and Brown still on the Eagles, Doubs, Williams, Chism and Douglas received most of the first-string work at wide receiver. — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026 After years of learning the techniques of a long snapper, Olson earned a first-string spot at the position for Orange Lutheran and joined the Trojans in 2015 as a walk-on player. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first-string

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string

Adjective

Lampard felt his players deserved a point after creating several excellent chances.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Picturesque views of the surrounding Casco Bay are abundant, and its consistently excellent food scene has made the city a culinary hot spot for the ages.

— Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

The Home Depot Patio Furniture Labor Day Sales If your patio furniture got plenty of love this summer, take The Home Depot’s end-of-season sale as a prime opportunity to refresh ahead of next year.

— Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026
According to Chris Willatt, owner of Alpine Maids, loading silverware in the dishwasher with the handles pointing down and the usable sides pointing up is the best way to achieve prime cleanliness.

— Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of prime

Adjective

The front three of Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro already looks terrific, while Maxence Lacroix is an extremely solid defensive addition and Emi Martinez is an upgrade on Robert Sanchez in goal.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Buddy expands to 1,771 screens after a terrific opening last weekend.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

His minor-league numbers weren’t stellar, but some of that can be blamed on the Pacific Coast League.

— Andy McCullough, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Cunningham, who North Crowley head coach DeMarcus Harris credited for having stellar football IQ and being a film junkie, has three interceptions through two weeks.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of stellar

Adjective

Countries with far smaller digital ecosystems, like Cambodia and Laos, have even greater struggles to attract and retain AI talent.

— Brian Wong, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026
The tropical cyclone reached Category 5, defined by sustained winds of 157 mph or greater, overnight Friday before losing some of its steam and settling into Category 4’s limits of sustained winds of 130 to 156 mph by Saturday.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

The coast on this part of Tuscany is a little wild, but wonderful for swimming, and guests have access to the boat for excursions to nearby islands and morning swims off secret coves.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
Gloria lived a full, wonderful life filled with friends and great conversations and worthy causes.

— Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

The café is tucked away in the heart of the garden—a lovely pit stop.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Sep. 2026
This is an exciting step forward for Eisenberg the director, who had a breakthrough a couple of years ago with the lovely A Real Pain, which earned co-star Kieran Culkin an Academy Award.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of lovely

Browse Nearby Words

first-rateness

first-string

firth

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Style

“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-string

adjective

Example Sentences

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